As an associate professor in the College of Veterinary Medicine’s School of Molecular Biosciences, Dr. Kimberly McBride’s research explores how social, cultural, and individual factors influence human sexuality and reproductive health. An interdisciplinary social and behavioral scientist, she focuses on sexualities and reproductive justice, using mixed-method approaches to better understand and advance equity in health care and education.
Prior to arriving at WSU in the fall of 2024, Dr. McBride served on the faculty at The University of Toledo, Central Washington University, and Indiana University-Bloomington.
She recently took time to discuss her research, career, and experiences at WSU.
What are your current research interests and what attracted you to that area?
My current research interests focus broadly on sexual and reproductive health. I have two studies that are in the preliminary stages of development. The first examines dysmenorrhea (painful periods) among college women and is a collaboration with researchers and clinicians from Seattle Children’s Hospital and University of Washington. The second study will explore the career impacts of menopause and is an internal WSU collaboration. I am also serving as a mentor to a McNair Scholar, and we will be developing a study to examine college men’s perspectives of male hormonal contraception.
What do you ultimately hope to accomplish with your research?
I would love for my research to make a positive impact on patient care and improve sexual and reproductive health outcomes, particularly among women and people from marginalized communities. I would also like my work to be used to guide policy and best-practice in ways that support access to medically accurate, evidence-based, culturally responsive education and health care. Secondarily, I would like to see my work contribute to a reduction in stigma around sexual and reproductive health and health behaviors.
When your career is over, what do you want to be remembered for?
I am going to go with a quote from the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg, “I want to be remembered as someone who used whatever talent she had to do her work to the best of her ability. And to help repair tears in her society, to make things a little better through the use of whatever ability she has.”
What do you enjoy about working with students?
Students are our future researchers, practitioners, and decision-makers. Each learner brings a unique perspective which allows us to approach challenges in new ways. It is my honor to contribute to the professional preparation and personal development of the next generation. It is exciting to witness students connecting course material and research findings to their own experiences and the world around them. Being able to help facilitate students’ pursuits of their passions and seeing their successes is incredibly rewarding. My learners inspire me every day and I have grown professionally and personally from my interactions with students across my career.
What motivates you outside of work?
I am motivated by the pursuit of health equity and social justice. Health is a basic human right and all people should have access. There are significant, ongoing health disparities both in the United States and worldwide. We, as a global society, have the power to change that but it requires multiple sectors working together toward a common goal. Outside of work, I try to contribute through my engagement in advocacy and community-based education. Anything I can do to make a tiny difference is a good investment of my time.
What are you most proud of in your career to this point?
The success of my students.